OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Property Management Services
Property Management Services provides and manages the procurement of office accommodation for Government Departments, Offices and Agencies. In effect, they operate as the agent for Government Departments etc. and other bodies e.g. Tribunals, who are seeking new or additional accommodation. Property Management Services are also responsible for the ongoing management of the State's property portfolio.
Procurement of Office Accommodation
In providing office accommodation the objective is to provide suitable accommodation of an acceptable standard at the location which best fits the business needs of the Client Department.
This process can involve:
- Maximising the use of existing space acquiring additional accommodation either through purchasing properties;
- Leasing properties or arranging for the construction of new properties via the OPW's Project Management Services business unit;
- Property Management services often have to respond at short notice to new urgent accommodation demands;
- Property Management Services have developed an expert knowledge of the property market. Combining this knowledge with the negotiating strength which comes from its central role in acting on behalf of its customers means that Property Management Services is well placed to obtain excellent value for taxpayers' money;
- Relocation of staff;
- Disposing of surplus accommodation.
Management of State Property Portfolio:
The core function of Property Management Services (PMS) is to manage some 1.16 million square metres of property. It ranges from prestige buildings such as Dublin Castle and Leinster House to specialist buildings and standard office accommodation. There are over 2,000 individual buildings spread over 1,700 individual properties in the portfolio in locations throughout the country.
Of the total portfolio, 1.05 million square metres is commercial property, mainly office and small amounts of storage, industrial and other specialist workspace for Government Departments and Agencies. Of the commercial total approximately 46% is owned by the Commissioners and the remainder is leasehold, mainly held on long leases. The 2008 estimate for rental and associated payments is €125,000,000.
Property Management Services actively manages the portfolio to ensure that the State gets best value from the resource while meeting the accommodation needs of client departments in a manner that enables them to discharge their functions and provide a service to the public in an efficient and cost effective manner. This active management includes acquisition of new space, disposal of property no longer suitable for current needs, consolidation of Departmental staff or Government Services in a particular location, etc.
Ongoing management of the portfolio involves, inter alia:
- To maintain and safeguard the Commissioner's interest in all its property holdings, both freehold and leasehold.
- To comply with Lease covenants to pay rents, service charges, insurance, VAT, etc.
- To manage relationships with landlords and ensure landlord compliance with Lease covenants.
- To maximise the inherent value in the State property portfolio.